Central heating novice- heaters dont work - boiler ok Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[shelby]

Hi,

I know this is a popular topic but being new to the houseowner game i have no idea how to check or bleed my radiators to get them to heat.

We had our Gloworm boiler restarted due to a blocked pilot but the boiler serviceman wasn't interested in checking or advising about the heaters themselves. no idea how to check them to see if they're blocked, need flushing or the boiler itself isnt pumping the heat to them.

At the moment, the boiler is producing alot of warmth and the exit pipes coming from the boiler are warm (these appear to go towards a small plastic tank - no idea what for) but no other pipes or heaters have warmth in the flat.

Each radiator has a wall fitted long iron pipe going to and from each room between the radiators. I think this is quite an old system but when bought the property documentation said heating worked.

Please help!

[htg engineer]

You haven't said if it's just the heating that's not working or if the water isn't working either.

Check the room thermostat is turned up (if there is one)

The first thing to check really is the pump, check it's running you will probably be able to hear it, if not turn the pump speed switch to III and see if it runs, if not try venting it (screw on pump head, either screwdriver slot or large nut type) if you definately know the pump isn't running but there is electricity there, a couple of sharp knock's on the pump head with a hammer might get it going. Or a new pump may be required.

[shelby]

The water is working but comes from an immersion heater in the hallway. i had put the temp on thermostat to full and the timer is on constant.

The boiler is very quiet and only seems to make a lighting up noise periodically when the gas turns itself onto full. A broken pump sounds quite likely so will try to locate the pump and see if i can change the speed.

On looking at the boiler (Gloworm 40b) it is all enclosed other than the thermostat controls and the ignition. does this mean i will have to pay again for someone to come out i dont know where to start with locating the pump behind all the metal).

I am gutted that the last corgi guy did not check the whole system but only the immediate problem of the ignition (took 10 mins!) and then charged me for an hour of work. This boiler is discontinued so may be a problem to get parts

[htg engineer]

If you don't know where to start, then you need a Heating Engineer. He should be able to locate the fault and repair it.

If the last one wasn't very helpful, or interested in getting the heating working then don't use him again.

Ask friends and relatives for anyone they'd recommend, there's normally at least one that'll know someone or that has used someone in the past.